The death toll from devastating flash floods and mudslides in Nepal and Tibet has climbed to more than 1,000, as rescue teams race to reach thousands of people still missing in isolated and disaster-stricken communities.
Authorities said at least 1,010 people have been confirmed dead in Nepal, while another 3,916 remain unaccounted for.
Across the border in Tibet, Chinese authorities reported 16 deaths and 546 people missing.
The disaster struck last week after a massive glacial collapse in the Himalayas unleashed torrents of ice, rocks and floodwaters into surrounding valleys, destroying communities and damaging critical infrastructure.
Nepal’s Foreign Ministry said nearly 11,800 people have so far been rescued, but search and recovery operations remain challenging due to difficult terrain and the extent of the devastation.
China and Singapore are expected to provide additional forensic support, including DNA identification kits, forensic experts and refrigerated storage facilities, to assist authorities in identifying the victims.
The Nepal Army said it had rescued 23 people using aerial assets, while joint search operations were also launched inside three hydropower facilities, with teams searching depths ranging from 50 to 200 meters.
Meanwhile, emergency workers and residents in Tibet held memorial services for those killed in the disaster, as China stepped up relief efforts in affected areas near the Nepal border.
Relief supplies, including drones and water purification systems, are being deployed as authorities continue search, rescue and recovery operations in what has become one of the region’s deadliest natural disasters in recent years.
(Photo Courtesy: AP)
